Ag Hall board elects chair, talks fundraising

The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame board of governors organized the behind-the-scenes aspects of the center during their annual meeting Monday at the Ag Hall.

Joe Steineger, who served as mayor of Kansas City, Kan., from 1987 to 1995, was elected as chairman of the board of governors.

Ag Hall director Cathi Hahner said in addition to electing officers,the main topics on the table were how to update the center’s exhibits, as well as fundraising progress and the center’s ever-challenging financial situation.

Since noted fundraiser Carl DiCapo came on board last year as a governing board member and as head of the fundraising committee, Hahner said there has been progress on the fundraising front. Through DiCapo’s efforts, the hall has already secured 10 small grants of between $1,500 to $2,500, and a challenge grant of $100,000. Hahner said the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous to the public, will match any donations the Ag Hall receives up to $100,000.

Additionally, Hahner said, DiCapo is continuously working to secure more grants for the center and is also building a group of trustees that will help raise national interest in the Ag Hall.

“He’s created a lot of excitement and interest from people,” she said.

As for the Ag Hall’s current financial situation, Hahner said income was up a bit due to facility rentals, increased walk-in visits and some of the more recent events like Tractor Daze. But the center is far from sitting pretty just yet, she said.